How Long Can You Store Leftovers from Thanksgiving Dinner?

No matter how perfectly you plan your Thanksgiving dinner, there will always be something left over after. While there's nothing wrong with simply reheating the turkey the next day, there are plenty of recipes for using leftovers from a holiday dinner. Mashed potatoes can be turned into crispy hash browns and leftover cranberry sauce can be used as a filling for sweet rolls. But it's impossible to cook all this in one day, especially after you've spent several hours in the kitchen. So how long can you store leftover goodies after Thanksgiving? The publication figured it out The pioneer woman.

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First of all, remember the “two-hour rule.” According to the USDA, “all perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours of being removed from the refrigerator.” This will prevent products from becoming unsafe to eat. Of course, it is very pleasant to sit at the table and thank each other, but do not forget that food should not lie on the table for more than two hours. You can pack it up, put it in the refrigerator, and then get back to enjoying your time with family and friends.

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How Long Do Thanksgiving Leftovers Last in the Refrigerator?

If you store leftover treats in the refrigerator, grab a calendar and set a reminder for the Monday after Thanksgiving.

In general, such products can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. But you can extend the shelf life of some of them, the main thing is to do it correctly.

Here are some tips for storing leftovers:

• Pack leftover mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, gravy and casseroles into several small containers rather than one large one. This makes it easier to fit them in the refrigerator, and the next day to heat only the required amount;
• remove the stuffing from the turkey and store them separately;
• Freshly baked bread can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for several days, but it can dry out quickly, so freezing it is the best option;
• Cranberry sauce is one of the exceptions when it comes to refrigeration. It can be stored for about two weeks.

How long does turkey last in the refrigerator?

Like leftover mashed potatoes, leftover turkey can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The turkey should be boned and the stuffing removed from the inside into a separate container. Some of the meat can be used to make soup, and the rest can be frozen for up to six months.

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How to Freeze Leftovers After a Holiday Dinner

If you plan to store leftovers for longer than four days, it is best to freeze them. According to the US Department of Agriculture, “frozen foods last indefinitely.” This means pumpkin pie can be eaten any time of year. But keep in mind that the quality and flavor of the pie deteriorate over time, so it's best to reheat frozen leftovers within two to six months. And be sure to reheat everything to an internal temperature of 165 degrees (+73,8 Celsius).

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